The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board has voted to extend the Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Order through October 1, 2026, as drought conditions continue across much of west-central Florida.
The extension means residents, businesses, and those using private wells must continue following one-day-per-week landscape watering restrictions and reduced irrigation hours.
Unless a local government has stricter rules in place, watering is only permitted between 12:01 a.m. and 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. Properties smaller than one acre may only use one of those watering windows.
The restrictions remain in effect for all of Polk, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Hernando, Citrus, Manatee, Sarasota, Sumter, Hardee, and DeSoto counties, as well as portions of Charlotte, Highlands, Lake, and Marion counties.
District officials said the region continues to experience significant rainfall deficits. The District received below-average rainfall during the 2025 rainy season and was facing a regional rainfall deficit of 13.7 inches when the Modified Phase III order was first declared. As of May 2026, the rainfall deficit remained at 11.4 inches.
Officials also reported that water levels in lakes, rivers, and other water resources continue to decline, with many reaching severely abnormal levels. Public water supplies across the region remain extremely low, prompting the continued restrictions.
Residents are encouraged to conserve water and follow all local watering regulations until conditions improve.
SOURCE: Southwest Florida Water Management District
